"We in some way hope our son's life serves as an inspiration," Xander's parents, Cris and Misty Vento, said in a statement released by the hospital. "He was the angel in the pool who sacrificed himself to save another. And now he continues to give as an organ donor."

The Ventos thanked all those who kept the family in their prayers.

"We were blessed to have such a kind and caring boy as Xander who set an example for all of us," they said. "And even now he will be saving lives by giving of himself."

Emergency workers were called about 3 p.m. Monday to the pool at the Villages of Woodland Springs in far north Fort Worth.

Police said Xander jumped into the pool when he saw a 3-year-old girl struggling. He got under her to help her stay above water when he got into trouble himself, police said.

Christy Daae, who is a registered nurse supervisor in the emergency room at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, and Tarrin Thompson, a psych technician with John Peter Smith Hospital at Trinity Springs, who were at the pool with their children, began cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the children.

Xander was taken by helicopter to the Fort Worth hospital, and the girl was taken there by ambulance. She was later released.